The community’s involvement in a new health centre has been praised by the Lord Lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.

The Hon Gerald Maitland-Carew carried out the official opening of Lauder Health Centre on Wednesday.

He told invited guests, including past and present GPs and practice staff: “It is a great privilege to be asked to formally open the new Lauder Health Centre.

“There has been significant involvement from the local communities in the project to build this wonderful facility, and today is an opportunity to celebrate this achievement.”

Representatives of Lauderdale and Oxton and Channelkirk community councils and the leader of SBC, David Parker, also attended the opening of the Crofts Road facility.

Pupils from Channelkirk Primary School presented a handmade mosaic artwork to the practice, which was created by eleven members of the school’s health committee.

The new centre, which opened for business in August, replaced the previous facilities in the Factors Park and Memorial Medical Centres.

John Raine, chairman of NHS Borders said: “I am delighted that the new health centre has been so well received by the Lauderdale community.

“The development of accessible local health services that enable people to receive the treatment they require as close to home as possible is a key element of the board’s strategy.”

NHS Borders has been accused of moving the BGH parking problem into Darnick, with new parking fines having come into force this week.

On both Monday and Tuesday more than 60 cars descended on the village seeking parking outwith the hospital grounds, following the implementation of four-hour maximum stays in two car parks at the BGH.

A further 60 or so cars also took to the verges of the Huntlyburn road to escape the restrictions, although those parked on the access road to the NHS unit there were slapped with £90 fines.

One Darnick resident told The Southern: “NHS Borders have shovelled up the problem into a wheelbarrow and tipped it out onto Darnick.”

He said that villagers had been assured when the hospital was being built that traffic flow and parking in Darnick would not be affected by the BGH.

The resident added: “The police put up no parking signs right the way along High Cross Avenue to the bottom of Chiefswood Road for Melrose Sevens because they feel it is dangerous for so many cars to be parking along there.

“There is a phenomenal amount of buses that go up and down High Cross Avenue, it is a major route for buses into the BGH, and with solid parking there is nowhere for them to go if they meet any other vehicle.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said “We are aware of an increase in parking around Abbotsford Road and High Cross Avenue. Following a report of congestion, officers attended and no traffic offences were identified, but police will be monitoring the situation.”

David McLuckie, director of estates and facilities for NHS Borders said: “There are more than 600 long stay car parking spaces available within the grounds of the Borders General Hospital.

“Staff who are unable to find a space within the site are expected to park safely in an alternative location.”

Last week Calum Campbell, NHS Borders chief executive, said that ‘great improvements’ had been seen in terms of increased access to parking spaces at peak times during the four-week transitional period before the fines came into effect.

FOOTBALL

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND

November 23

Easthouses Lily 2 Gala Fairydean Rovers 4

Vale of Leithen P Kelso Utd P

KING CUP FIRST ROUND

November 23

Selkirk P Ormiston P

Peebles Rovers P Duns P

EOS Premier DIVISION

November 23

Civil Service Strollers 1 Edinburgh University 6

P W D L G Diff Pts

Stirling Univ 10 7 1 2 25 8 22

Craigroyston 9 6 0 3 21 9 18

Tynecastle 10 6 0 4 27 5 18

Edinburgh Univ 11 4 3 4 22 5 15

Lothian Thistle HV 6 4 1 1 11 6 13

Spartans EOS 9 3 3 3 13 2 12

Coldstream 10 3 1 6 12 -10 10

Leith Athletic 6 2 1 3 11 -3 7

Heriot-Watt Univ 9 2 1 6 12 -7 7

CS Strollers 10 2 1 7 11 -15 7

EOS FIRST DIVISION

November 23

Eyemouth United 3 Berwick Rangers 1

Hawick Royal Albert P Hibernian P

P W D L G Diff Pts

Hibernian EOS 10 9 0 1 41 33 27

Easth’ses Lily MW 8 5 3 0 27 15 18

Berwick Rgrs EOS 11 5 0 6 21 2 15

Kelso United 9 3 3 3 19 -1 12

Ormiston 8 4 0 4 16 -2 12

Eyemouth United 8 3 2 3 18 -2 11

Hawick RA 6 3 0 3 9 -7 9

Peebles Rovers 9 2 2 5 14 -12 8

Burntisland Shpyd 7 1 2 4 11 -11 5

Duns 8 1 0 7 8 -15 3

WADDELL CUP FIRST round

November 23

Biggar P Ancrum P

Chirnside Utd 7 Langholm Legion 1

Chirnside Utd Colts 2 Eyemouth Amateurs 3

Coldstream Amateurs 2 Gordon 5

Earlston Rhymers P Gala Hotspur P

Hawick Legion P Stow P

Hawick Legion Rovers P Melrose P

Hawick Utd 2 Greenlaw 8

Hawick Waverley P West Barns Star P

Jed Legion 2 Newtown 5

Lauder 1 Gala Fairydean Rovers 4

Leithen Rovers P CFC Bowholm P

Linton Hotspur P Kelso Thistle P

Selkirk Victoria P Hearts of Liddesdale P

Tweeddale Rovers P Tweedmouth Amateurs P

Netball

Under-13 League

Third Play day

Earlston A 9 Hawick A 9

Berwickshire 11 Hawick B 4

Peebles 45 Earlston B 2

P W L D Pts GD

Peebles 4 4 0 0 20 167

Hawick A 4 3 0 1 18 65

Earlston A 4 2 1 1 1 4 5

Earlston B 4 1 3 0 8 -50

Berwickshire 4 1 3 0 8 -104

Hawick B 4 0 4 0 4 -83

Under-15 League

Pool A

Earlston A 28 Hawick B 12

P W L D Pts

Earlston A 3 2 1 0 11

Peebles A 2 2 0 0 10

Hawick B 3 1 2 0 7

Berwickshire B 2 0 2 0 2

Pool B

Peebles B 54 Earlston B 0

Berwickshire A 28 Hawick A 8

P W L D Conceded Pts

Peebles B 2 2 0 0 - 10

Berwickshire A 2 2 0 0 - 10

Hawick A 3 1 2 0 - 7

Earlston B 3 0 1 0 2 1

Rugby

Autumn tests

November 23

Scotland 15 Australia 21

RBS PREMIER DIVISIOn

November 23

Ayr 13 Gala 20

Stirling County 30 Edinburgh Accies 31

P W L D F A B Pts

Gala 12 9 2 1 345 213 10 48

Melrose 12 9 3 0 348 250 6 42

Heriot’s 12 9 3 0 270 225 6 42

Ayr 12 8 4 0 310 197 9 41

Glasgow Hawks 12 4 6 2 298 265 8 28

Edinburgh Accies 12 6 6 0 240 316 4 28

Hawick 12 5 6 1 249 293 4 26

Aberdeen GSFP 12 3 9 0 249 310 7 19

Stirling County 12 2 10 0 195 293 7 15

Currie 12 3 9 0 208 350 2 14

EAST LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

November 23

RHC 25 Dunbar 14

North Berwick 32 Duns 15

Hawick Harlequins 20 Portobello FP 27

Langholm 21 Hawick Linden 22

Linlithgow P Preston Lodge P

P W L D F A B Pts

Preston Lodge 10 10 0 0 496 142 10 50

RHC 11 10 1 0 448 106 9 49

North Berwick 11 8 3 0 249 200 4 36

Dunbar 11 7 4 0 430 182 7 35

Linlithgow 9 5 4 0 272 166 8 28

Hawick Linden 10 4 6 0 167 243 3 19

Portobello FP 11 3 8 0 129 313 2 14

Langholm 11 3 8 0 148 428 1 13

Duns 11 2 9 0 146 423 1 9

Hawick Harlequins 11 1 10 0 204 486 4 8

RBS East Division Two

November 23

Lismore 0 Dalkeith 133

Berwick 81 Penicuik 0

Forrester 44 Edinburgh Northern 23

Earlston 42 Leith 15

Inverleith 8 Trinity Academicals 9

P W L D F A B Pts

Dalkeith 11 11 0 0 625 128 10 54

Berwick 11 9 2 0 511 130 6 42

Forrester 11 8 3 0 445 161 7 39

Trinity Accies 11 7 4 0 316 130 7 35

Earlston 11 4 7 0 225 268 8 24

Edinburgh Nrthrn 11 5 6 0 199 427 2 22

Leith 11 4 7 0 192 342 5 21

Inverleith 11 3 8 0 119 317 4 16

Penicuik 11 2 9 0 143 403 4 12

Lismore 11 2 9 0 83 552 2 10

RBS East Division Three

November 23

Broughton P Moray House P

Queensferry P Walkerburn P

RDVC 10 Liberton FP 37

Gala YM 39 Ross High 17

P W L D F A B Pts

St Boswells 7 7 0 0 409 39 7 35

Gala YM 8 7 1 0 324 93 6 34

Liberton FP 10 7 3 0 237 162 5 33

Broughton 7 4 3 0 156 204 1 17

Ross High 9 4 5 0 111 197 1 17

RDVC 7 1 5 1 100 169 2 8

Queensferry 7 1 6 0 81 235 2 6

Walkerburn 8 0 7 1 75 364 2 4

Moray House 1 0 1 0 14 44 0 0

BORDERS SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE

November 23

Jed Thistle 66 Peebles Colts 7

Duns Colts 12 Kelso Harlequins 34

Gala Wanderers P Berwick Colts P

Selkirk YC P Melrose Wasps P

P W L D F A B Pts

Jed Thistle 10 10 0 0 416 68 - 20

Melrose Wasps 10 10 0 0 416 108 - 20

Gala Wanderers 10 9 1 0 229 149 - 18

Hawick Wands 11 8 3 0 350 97 - 16

Kelso Harlequins 11 7 4 0 250 121 - 14

Selkirk Youth Club 11 4 5 2 173 228 - 10

Peebles Colts 12 4 7 1 107 290 - 9

Berwick Colts 11 4 7 0 213 253 - 8

Hawick PSA 11 3 8 0 165 410 - 6

Duns Colts 11 2 8 1 90 332 - 5

Tynedale Colts 11 2 9 0 83 390 - 4

Langholm Colts 11 0 11 0 5 51 - 0

FIXTURES

Athletics

BORDER WINTER CROSS COUNTRY SERIES ROUND THREE: Sunday, December 1 – Hosted by Moorfoot Runners at Hay Lodge Park, Peebles (12 noon).

Football

SOUTH CHALLENGE CUP SECOND ROUND: Saturday, November 30 – Vale of Leithen v Kelso (1.30pm).

KING CUP SECOND ROUND: Saturday, November 30 – Selkirk v Ormiston; Peebles Rovers v Duns (1.30pm).

SCOTTISH LOWLAND LEAGUE: Saturday, November 30 – Dalbeattie Star v Gala Fairydean Rovers (2pm).

EAST OF SCOTLAND FIRST DIVISION: Saturday, November 30 – Hawick Royal Albert v Easthouses Lily (2pm).

WADDELL CUP FIRST ROUND: Saturday, November 30 – Biggar v Ancrum; Earlston Rhymers v Gala Hotspur; Hawick Waverley v West Barns Star; Leithen Rovers v CFC Bowholm; Linton Hotspur v Kelso Thistle; Selkirk Victoria v Hearts of Liddesdale; Tweeddale Rovers v Tweedmouth Amateurs (1.30pm).

BAL DIVISION A: Saturday, November 30 – Chirnside United v Newtown; Gala Fairydean Rovers v Stow (2pm).

BAL DIVISION B: Saturday, November 30 – Hawick United v Gordon; Langholm Legion v Coldstream Amateurs (2pm).

BAL DIVISION C: Saturday, November 30 – St Boswells v Melrose (2pm).

Rugby

RBS PREMIERSHIP: Saturday, November 30 – Melrose v Hawick (2pm); Gala v Glasgow Hawks (3pm).

RBS NATIONAL LEAGUE: Saturday, November 30 – Stewart’s Melville v Selkirk (2pm); Kelso v Dundee; Boroughmuir v Peebles (both 3pm).

RBS CHAMPIONSHIP B: Saturday, November 30 – Jed-Forest v Hawick YM (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE ONE: Saturday, November 30 – Duns v Linlithgow; Hawick Linden v RHC; North Berwick v Hawick Harlequins; Preston Lodge v Langholm (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE TWO: Saturday, November 30 – Dalkeith v Earlston; Lismore v Berwick (2pm).

RBS EAST LEAGUE THREE: Saturday, November 30 – Gala YM v St Boswells; Walkerburn v Linlithgow (2pm).

RBS NATIONAL RESERVE LEAGUE ONE: Saturday, November 30 – Gala v Glasgow Hawks; Melrose v Hillhead Jordanhill; Stewart’s Melville v Selkirk.

RBS NATIONAL RESERVE LEAGUE TWO: Saturday, November 30 – Kelso v Dundee.

SEMI-JUNIOR LEAGUE: Saturday, November 30 – Berwick Colts v Selkirk Youth Club; Hawick Wanderers v Gala Wanderers; Kelso Quins v Tynedale Colts; Langholm Colts v Jed Thistle; Melrose Wasps v Hawick PSA; PeeblesColts v Duns Colts.

Please check with all clubs regarding kick-off times.

Snooker

TOMMY DOUGLAS STORAGE BORDER SNOOKER LEAGUE: Thursday, November 28 – Hawick Conservative Club A v Innerleithen; Hawick Burns Club B v Kelso Legion; Selkirk B v Selkirk A; Jedburgh Legion v Hawick Conservative Club B; St Boswells v Hawick Burns Club A.

PEEBLES’ Olympic gold medallist showjumper Scott Brash has won the Global Champions Tour series after a thrilling finale in Doha.

Ice-cool Brash and his world-beating bay gelding, Hello Sanctos, delivered a triple clear under intense pressure and after a celebratory lap of honour the young rider admitted it was “one of the best days of my life”.

Brash’s dramatic series victory and Grand Prix win in the same night netted him a massive €443,000 in prize money – and all on his 28th birthday on Saturday.

Brash also made history as the youngest ever rider to win the prestigious championship.

The final leg of the championship series was a true cliff-hanger with Germany’s Christian Ahlmann – who was without his stallion Taloubet Z – missing out on the championship victory due to a time penalty pushing him into second place overall. US rider Laura Kraut, who led the ranking for much of the season, finished third in the championship after an unlucky four faults.

“It couldn’t have been a better day for me,” said Brash.

“He [Sanctos] is a horse for a lifetime and has given me so much success. There are so many people to thank who made it possible for me and the horse to come to Doha, compete and emerge as the winner.”

The thrilling show jumping action took place on one of the world’s most magnificent equestrian stages at Al Shaqab, part of the Qatar Foundation. Members of the Royal Family of Qatar, international diplomats and visitors from across the world joined spectators at the vast state-of-the art venue dedicated to horses.

Brash started riding at the age of seven and went to his first show when he was nine.

Today, as the youngest member of the gold medal winning Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics, Brash, whose achievements have now been recognised with an MBE, can claim to be one of nation’s hottest prospects in show jumping.

Borders’ equestrianism has another rising star in the making if Jedburgh’s Daniella Page and her horse Monarch are anything to go by.

The 18-year-old and her mount have enjoyed a very successful eventing season indeed, with one win and four top placings.

The new partnership began the season in March down in Lincolnshire, competing at Pre-Novice level and finishing in October competing at 1* International level.

The pair completed their first CCI1* at Blair Castle International in August, coming a respectable 35th out of 98 starters, with the top 20 being mostly professional International and Olympic riders.

Daniella and Monarch achieved their qualification and were thrilled to be selected to ride for Scotland, where the team competed at Weston Park International Championships in Shropshire on October 13. The Scottish team did well to come seventh overall and an outstanding individual performance saw Daniella come 13th out of 68 competitors.

On November 9 at Airth Castle, Falkirk, Daniella was awarded the Dundrum Sam Quaich for the highest-placed Scottish rider at the OU18 CCI1* Chamionship.

And already, the former Jedburgh Grammar School pupil is looking to the future.

She told The Southern: “I would like to continue eventing and am aiming to represent Great Britain in the Under-21 team.”

Daniella already receives support from Mainetti UK Ltd and Roxburgh Sports Council, but is still seeking financial backing to help with her training and achieve her ambition. She is currently a working pupil with Ancrum equestrian star Emily Galbraith.

“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has played a part in what I have achieved so far,” she added.

Three young judoka from Focus Judo Club in Galashiels recently competed in two competitions within a two-week period and all three came away with medals.

All three players competed in the Hibari-Kan Junior Open in Larkhall. Monica Riddell (pictured front left) and Holly Shepherd (front right) both came away with gold from their categories and Ewan Jones (front centre), who had a very tough competition due to moving up an age group, came away with bronze.

Two weeks later at the Scottish Age Bands competition at Ravenscraig, Holly gained the silver and Ewan the bronze medal.

Focus coaches Tam, Stuart, James and Lee wish to congratulate all three players on their valiant efforts over those two weeks.

The club has also just completed an Active Schools programme where 84 pupils from Burgh Primary School took part. Find out more about Focus Judo at www.focusjudo.org

Sports digest

bowling

Earlston

The club will be holding an Xmas fun night on Friday, December 13, which will include accordion music and dancing. All members and friends of the club welcome.

Tweedbank Seniors

On Wednesday, November 30, the seniors were away to East Lothian and knew that the chances of a win were not good against a team which has not yet lost a single match this season.

When the match started it soon became clear that a win for Tweedbank was going to be unlikely. On completion of five ends, East Lothian already led by 19 shots.

At 10 ends, Tweedbank had managed to reduced the lead to 15 shots. However, This only acted as a wake-up call to East Lothian, who eventually won 83-48.

Gents

There was no match for the gents on Saturday, however, results elsewhere enabled them to maintain their position in third place. They are two points adrift of Headwell with a game in hand.

Ladies Fours

At club level the final of the ladies fours has now taken place and this saw Sheena White, Jeanette Redpath, Jackie Ormiston and Ella Brydon facing Margaret Aitken, Christine Kellett, Lauren Upton and Gail Lindores.

The match was very close early on and after nine ends, the two teams were locked together at five shots each. Lindores and her team then took two ends in a row to gain a four-shot advantage. Three singles were then scored leaving Lindores still three shots in front with 14 of the 21 ends completed.

On the 15th end, Lindores dropped a count of five so that not only did her lead disappear but also Brydon and her team were now two shots in front. This was not enough to be safe and with one end left to play Lindores had regained the lead.

But on the last end Brydon managed to secure a count of two to win the match by 16-15.

Club news

Draws have now been made for the gents’ and ladies’ triples competitions which are on the appropriate noticeboards.

On Saturday, the gents entertain Balbardie at home in what could be a very important match. At the same time the ladies are away to Bainfield.

On Sunday, the ladies’ junior trial takes place at Abbeyview, starting at noon. The club wishes Lauren Upton the best of luck and hopes she will make the team for theupcoming internationals.

golf

Galashiels

John Scott (Plumbing & Heating) Seniors Winter League: Winner, A. R. Gerrard, nett 40.

Kelso

Winter Stableford: 1, I. Halliday 42 points; 2, J. Black 42.

Treble Six Pairs: 1, S. Turnbull & C Bell 74 (9.5) 64.5; K. Hush & J. Black 77 (11.5) 65.5; 3=, M. Ross & R. Scott: G. Welsh & D. Wilson 79 (13) 66.

Lauder

After two weeks’ excellent scoring and just missing out on valuable Winter League points, the bridesmaid finally became the bride.

Billy Hunter’s consistent scoring paid dividends. It was a closely-run thing with Drew Kellet pushing Geordie Dun into third with a better inward half. Billy also kept up his good form at the quarry, winning the twos sweep for the second week in a row.

Ivor Aitchison’s soup qualified for ‘soup de jour’ as it was made at 1am on Sunday morning. It had an excellent flavour with an aftertaste of black pepper. Next week’s entry is supplied by Billy Hunter. It is rumoured the ewe has already been earmarked.

The podium positions and scores for the week of November 4 are as follows: 1, B. Hunter 78 (11) 67; 2, D. Kellet 85 (17) 68; 3, G. Dun 94 (26) 68.

The Winter League will be played every Sunday, first tee time 10.30am, until the end of March 2014.

Tournament rules are stroke play, 18 holes; best round each month is recorded with ‘The Winter League Champion’ being the golfer with lowest aggregate score recorded each month.

Results of the November round of the Winter League championship: 1, M. Whiteford 63; 2, I. Aitchison 64; 3, B. Hunter 65.

December’s competition will commence next Sunday.

The eclectic competition will continue to run alongside the winter League Championship.

There will be a weekly, monthly and all tournament prizes, with the overall winner being presented with The Winter League Championship.

Melrose

Belhaven Winter League (Week 4): 1, K. Haldane 8 up; 2, T. S. Clark 7 up.

Selkirk

Christman Crackers Competition: 1=, J. Coyle, H. MacDonald, A. Pickersgill and J. Rae nett 32. Twos: I. Wilkie, L. Rutherford, P. Henderson, A. Pickersgill, J. Coyle, R. J. Wilson, J. Rae and N. Roxburgh (2).

hockey

Development

Following an intensive eight-week coaching programme for U13 & U14 boys and girls from across the region, all were invited to a tournament at Tweedbank to showcase their skills and development to date. Borders Hockey Development delivered the block of sessions in line with the current performance criteria specified by Scottish Hockey. These criteria include fitness, mindset and coachability.

Three regional development centres delivered the coaching programme in Hawick, Tweedbank and Duns, of which each school were invited to select six participants from each year group with the potential to develop into future performance players.

The 80 boys and girls who took to the pitch over the afternoon were a credit to their coaches, Pippa Bell and Zoe Higgins as the speed, style and attitude of play was exceptional.

Janet Jack, Borders hockey development officer and Scottish hockey performance coach, was on hand to offer wise words of encouragement to all and cast her eye over the future hockey talent from the region.

pool

Border League

After a free week and a Triples Qualifier it was back to League business for Borders pool players last week.

In the top flight, unbeaten Ship A went top as Reivers A went down tamely to High Level A while Waverley A and Niki’s both recorded impressive wins.

Division Two looks wide open with the top six separated by only three points after leaders High Level B lost at Red Lion A and chasing pack of Waverley B, Fleece B and Station all won, setting up a thrilling battle for the title.

Results – Division One: High Level A (Hawick) 7 Reivers A (Gala) 2; Reivers B (Gala) 2 Nikis Bar (Gala) 7; Waverley A (Hawick) 8 Dryburgh (Newtown) 1; Ship A (Melrose) 6 Fleece A (Selkirk) 4.

Division Two: Bridge Inn (Gala) 4 Waverley B (Hawick) 5; Red Lion A (Kelso) 6 High Level B (Hawick) 3; Station Bar (Hawick) 5 Red Lion B (Kelso) 4; Fleece B (Selkirk) 7 Ship B (Melrose) 2.

rugby

Selkirk

A STRONG first-half performance was enough to earn Selkirk A a welcome 20-12 win in Saturday’s Border League Cup fixture against Kelso 2nds at Poynder Park.

Selkirk took all their points in the first half with tries from Lewis MacLennen and Josh Welsh (2) with Mike McVie adding one conversion and a penalty.

Super Sunday

The 3G Arena in Netherdale, Galashiels, played host to an action-packed day of rugby last Sunday as eight Borders teams in the under-16 age group played back-to -back matches.

The first match of the event kicked-off at 10.30 am and saw Selkirk play Hawick.

This was followed by Kelso v Duns, Langhlom v Jedburgh and Peebles v Melrose.

Brian Renwick, regional development manager for the Scottish Rugby Union, commented: “The 3G Arena at Netherdale is the perfect venue for this type of rugby event.

“It provides a unique opportunity to play four matches back-to-back on the same pitch.”

The scores on the day were: Kelso 7 Duns 57; Peebles 5 Melrose 54; Langholm 0 Jedburgh 62; Selkirk 24 Hawick 5.

snooker

Border League

Results: Kelso Legion 1 Hawick Conservative Club A 5; Hawick Conservative Club B 5 Innerleithen 1; Selkirk A 6 Hawick Burns Club B 0; Jedburgh Legion 4 St Boswells 2; Hawick Burns Club A 4 Selkirk 2.

League standings (after eight rounds): 1, Hawick Conservative Club A 43; 2, Kelso Legion 29; 3, Selkirk A 29; 4, Hawick Burns Club A 28; 5, Jedburgh Legion 26; 6, Hawick Burns Club B 23; 7, Hawick Conservative Club B 21; 8, Selkirk B 16; 9, St Boswells 15; 10, Innerleithen 10.

squash

Galashiels

Club Championship semi-final: J. Sharratt 3 I. Chalmers 0 (9-5, 9-1, 9-3).

Club Night matches: I. Chalmers 2 I. Yousef 0; A. Gill 2 D. Sharratt 0; G. Laing 2 D. Burnie 0; D. Sharratt 2 P. Borseth 0; I. Chalmers 2 D. Burnie 1; A. Gill 2 M. Delrud 0; A. Gill 2 D. Burnie 0.

Racquetball: D. Sharratt 2 P. Borseth 0.

Contact us at enquiry@galasquashclub.co.uk

HAWICK horse handler Keith Dalgleish has made it into the record books after achieving his 60th winner of the season.

The 30-year-old former jockey confirmed his status as one of the sport’s most prodigious young handlers when Chookie’s Lass made all the running to romp home at Wolverhampton.

That all-weather victory beat the previous record for a single campaign by a Scotland-based flat trainer – that of the late George Boyd who sent out 59 winners from his Dunbar stables in 1957.

And the moment was especially sweet for Dalgleish because steering home Chookie’s Lass was fellow Teri Jason Hart, who has recently been crowned Champion Apprentice.

Dalgleish took out his trainers’ licence in January 2011 and now works out of Belstane Stables near Carluke along with younger brother Kevin.

“To improve on last season’s total and surpass the record of the legendary George Boyd is a real tribute to everyone at the yard,” he said.

SPORTIF JUDO’S Abbi Blackie rounded off a successful year by being presented with her black belt by two of the club’s most famous members.

John Buchanan and Euan Burton, both Olympians and world medallists, returned to their roots to take a session at the club where they both started as beginners.

It was a great day with more than 100 children from Sportif Judo taking part with Abbi, who represented Team GB at the Youth Olympics and European Championships, playing a starring role. To join Sportif Judo Clubs in the Borders call 01578 730452.

BERWICK SPEEDWAY has confirmed that following the recent promoters’ annual general meeting it is ‘all systems go’ as far as the club is concerned.

Contact has already been made with several riders with a view to signing them for the 2014 season and director George Hepburn said they are hopeful the first of these will be announced shortly.

But one rider who will not be returning to Shielfield will be last season’s reserve Nicki Barrett after the Dane announced on Facebook that he has not been offered a contract by the Bandits. Berwick, who will once again be sponsored by New Holland Agriculture, have also been drawn in the Northern Group of the League Cup with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Workington, whilst in the KO Cup they have been drawn against Sheffield. The winners will go on to meet Edinburgh in the second round.

The club hopes to stage a practice session at Shielfield on Saturday, March 22, with their first home meeting scheduled for a week later on the 29th against Redcar.

The team’s first away meeting will also be against Redcar, on March 27, which will be in support of the Tigers’ safety fence fund.

“We are one of only a handful of PL clubs with a fence,” said Hepburn, “so we are happy to support this venture.”

Adult admission prices will rise by £1 to £14, with all other admission prices remaining the same. Season tickets, covering 17 home PL and League Cup meetings, will cost £199 for adults and £149 for senior citizens.

Further information on Berwick Bandits can be found at www.berwickbandits.com

While Eve Muirhead and co have been sweeping all before them in their European Championship quest, local curlers have been tasting success at home.

Indeed, a trio of Borders curlers were successful at the Edinburgh International Senior Championships at the weekend.

In the men’s tournament, Keith Prentice from Hutton and Linton’s Tommy Fleming, who both curl at Borders Ice Rink for Ayton Castle, took home the prize.

Sixteen teams including one skipped by former US champion Russ Armstrong were entered. The tournament is played in two four-round leagues, the top two from each league progressing to the semi-finals. The leagues produced some exciting play and some very tight games.

Prentice (skip), Lockhart Steele, Robert Anderson and Fleming are a formidable outfit at this level as their record in the Scottish Senior Championship demonstrates.

They started off their final with a one, and then a stolen two and they never let Graeme Adam, Drew Howie, Stuart Naismith and Jean Lesperance (from Glasgow) back into the game.

A stolen two in end six effectively sealed the win and though the seventh end was played out team Prentice were worthy winners of the Championship.

The team was sporting some Saltire trousers for the competition, which gave them a striking appearance on the ice.

Next stop for the team is the Scottish Men’s Senior Championship in February, where they will be red-hot favourites having won four times in the past.

Keith and Tommy’s wives Gwen and Rhona also had a successful week curling at the Border ice rink. They won the Henderson Bishop trophy along with Roberta Ann Forrest and Liz Martin and will go on to represent the Borders at the national finals at Dumfries next February.

In the ladies’ competition, Margaret Robertson from Berwick took home the title in her first attempt. In the final, Margaret’s team, skipped by Christine Cannon immediately took control of things over Christine Hamilton’s team and scores of two, two, one and one in the first four ends effectively sealed the Championship win for them.

Try as they might, Hamilton and her team just could not get it together and when they managed to get on the board with a two in the sixth end, they sportingly congratulated their opponents on a fine performance.

So, a great first-time win can be recorded for Christine Cannon, Margaret Richardson, Isobel Hannen and Margaret Robertson, who can go forward to the Scottish Senior Championship with great confidence after a dominant performance at Murrayfield.

PUPILS from St Peters Primary School are celebrating following their win at the Galashiels Primary Sporthall Athletics Competition.

The event, organised by Borders Sport and Leisure, took place at the Queens Leisure Centre in Galashiels.

Seven primary schools from the Galashiels area took part with 164 primary six and seven girls and boys competing in a range of athletics challenges.

First place in the competition went to St Peters Primary with Burgh in second and Clovenfords Primary in third.

By winning the event St Peters automatically get a place in the Sportshall Athletics East Region Final.That tournament will take place at Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh on February 27.

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SOME excellent performances at the East District Cross Country Championships in Alloa saw Team Borders lead the title chase in three of the seven age-groups.

A strong run and another second individual place by Corran Carrick-Anderson (Moorfoot) led the U-11 Boys to victory this time with club-mate Ethan Elder improving four places and newcomer Gregor Collins (Gala) making a big difference with an excellent 10th over the short but tough 1.4km course. Their 10-point winning margin over Pitreavie on the day puts them very much in pole position for the title with a 32 point lead over Edinburgh.

The U11 Girls, running over the same course, combined for third place on the day and that is where they lie overall. The Moorfoot trio of Elena McGorum (10th), Eilidh Mooney (13th) and Megan Hobbs (20th) were the Team Borders counters.

Minus their top finisher from Stirling, Andrew Hogg, the U-13 Boys couldn’t quite repeat their team victory, finishing 2nd on the day to Corstorphine courtesy of Euan Hood, Moorfoot, (6th), Jamie Logan, Gala, (7th) and Rory Williams, Chirnside, (12th).

The U13 Girls though were victorious again, finishing with a six point margin over Central. Moorfoot’s Beth Hobbs (4th) and Mairi Wallace (6th) and Susannah Godfrey-Faussett, from Gala, (7th) were the counters.

Joe Agnew (Gala) was the only Team Borders representative in the U-15 Boys race and had a very solid run for 13th.

In the combined U15/U17 girls race the very young team of Moorfoot’s Fiona Grant (12th) and Zaynah Aziz (20th) and Gala’s Katie Rourke (34th) finished outside the team places. In the U17 men’s race Gala’s Jason McIntosh had a fine run for 7th, closely followed by clubmate Thomas Otton (8th) and Kobe Stevens, Moorfoot, in 9th.

ROUND two of the East of Scotland Cross Country League took Gala Harriers to the hugely impressive Lornshill Academy Complex in Alloa on Saturday

In spite of fairly cold conditions the sun shone and not a breath of wind greeted the hundreds of runners from Under 11 to Seniors.

With the juniors again representing Team Borders (see corresponding report) it was left to the seniors to fly the flag for the green machine. Disappointingly, for the second league race in a row, the senior women failed to turn out a team, with only Rachel Fagan making the trip. Obviously still on a high from her Scotland honours the previous week in Cardiff, she ran a typical gutsy race on the 3.5 mile course to finish 23rd in a good time of 25.57.

Despite two late call offs, the senior men still fielded nine runners, and they went under starters orders in the last race of the day over 5.25 miles.

Fergus Johnston and Graeme Murdoch both went out hard from the gun and had a great tussle for the first two laps before Murdoch edged ahead to finish in his best East League position of 15th (31.20). Fergus also finished well in 19th (31.50).

Colin McCall needed no encouragement either as the prospect of half a dozen chilled beers for the journey home propelled him to his best East League placing (58th) in a time of 34.30. In his first year at the club Andrew Lawrie continues to improve and ran well to finish 95th (36.17).

In the battle of the veterans, Derrick Brydon (37.31) and Rory Campbell (37.33) worked well together round the course before Derrick outsprinted Rory in the home straight for 118th and 119th place respectively. Men’s Captain Billy McCulloch also ran well for 137th place in 38.22. James Purves (193rd) enjoyed his first taste of East League with a 43.12 clocking to complete another good day for the club.

The next two races for the club are Round Three of the Border Winter Cross Country series at Peebles on Sunday followed by the East of Scotland Championships in Dundee on December 7.

They may only have been up and running for four years but Tweed Leader Jed Track certainly aren’t dragging their feet as far as development is concerned.

On Sunday the Tweedbank based athletics club were presented with their Scottish Athletics Foundation level Clubmark award from the national body’s East Region Development Officer Jamie McDonald.

This marks a major milestone in the club’s development having came about following a year long period of developing their coaching systems and then being audited by Scottish Athletics. The Clubmark scheme recognises that TLJT have the basics of organizing and running the club right and places them on the first level of a two tier scheme.

Mr McDonald told TheSouthern: “These guys have done an amazing job in a relatively short space of time.

“Basically the award is about being safe, effective and well organised and TLJT have worked really hard to achieve these areas of good practice to a really high standard.

“They have all the key attributes in place such as child protection welfare good management and registration protocols.

“This benefits the clubs by making them better organised which in turn helps grow and progress with their membership.”

Indeed the club has already excelled in that area. From their original 20 members they now have over 80 competing members on their books aged from age 7-72.

TLJT coach Bruce Scott told us: “The idea of trying to gain the quality mark for the club has been muted since we started but we have only really been working towards it for the last year.

“We were nearly there at the start of the season with just one or two things needing tweaked so we are absolutely thrilled to now be in possession of it.

“It is credit to the hard work of both the coaches and athletes at the club as well as parents and other volunteers that we have been able to achieve it so quickly.”

“We are very proud as a club to have taken the organisation from just a few runners in 2009 to a well organised and well run fully accredited club in just over four years.” There are five Scottish Athletics affiliated clubs in the Borders, TLJT, Gala Harriers, Teviotdale, Moorfoot and Chirnside with the Tweedbank outfit becoming only the second to achieve the award. Having now fulfilled this status the club will now be in a position to further advance from foundation award to grow to Podium level.

A TRIO of Tweed Leader Jed Track middle distance runners competed against much larger numbers from other clubs in the second of the Border Cross Country league events.

Adam Craig (18) backed up his tremendous senior race win at Lauder with a second place (first junior) in Galashiels behind Carnethy’s Michael Reid.

The first two were more that 1/2 a minute clear of the field and a different class from the rest. Adam is the East of Scotland 800m champion at U20 age group and a tremendous talent and runner.

Zoe Pflug was the first female finished in the junior race and backed up her Lauder win in the 12-13 age group.

Matt Dougall, venturing into his first cross country weeks before opening his indoor 800m season, won the 12-13 age category. Tactical Dougall sat in nicely with the leaders most of the way before opening up a five second lead in the last 200m.

MORE THAN 120 children from 12 different football teams in the Borders took part in the region’s first Football Festival for 11-year-old players.

Organised by Borders Sport & Leisure and the Scottish Borders Junior Football Association, the festival was held at the 3G Arena Netherdale in Galashiels on Saturday, and saw the teams taking part in a series of matches. For some of the young footballers it was their first opportunity to play on an artificial surface.

The teams participating in the festival were Ancrum, Earlston, Gala Dean, Greenlaw, Hawick, Kelso, Lauderdale, Leithen Vale, Melrose, Selkirk, Tweedbank and Hutchison Vale.

Drew Kelly, Scottish FA Football Development Officer told us: “Events like this provide an invaluable opportunity and experience.

“It is not about winning, but about generating an enthusiasm for the sport and developing their abilities.

“Thanks to everyone who took part.”

EARLSTON hosted the third Aitken Turnbull Border Netball League day at the weekend with six matches played at Under-13 and Under-15 age groups.

The Under-13 league remains tight at the top of the leaderboard, with a draw between Earlston A and Hawick A allowing Peebles to sneak into pole position, with four clear wins now under their belt.

In the Under-15 league, Earlston, Berwickshire and Peebles A teams have all done enough to secure Championship semi-final places with Hawick A looking set for the Plate semi-final.

Peebles B team punched well above their weight once again with another convincing scoreline over Earlston B.

Having already notched up a victory against Hawick A, the Peebles youngsters take on Berwickshire A next weekend, to decide their overall Pool winner. A win for Peebles B would avoid an all-Peebles clash in the semi-finals.

Peebles Netball coach and league organiser Linda Nicholson said: “Once again it has been a very competitive league and the closing stages are looking very exciting.”

The league moves to the Gytes in Peebles for the next play day this coming Sunday. Matches start at 1pm with the Championship decider in the Under-13 league scheduled to take place at 4pm.

Results – Under 13s League: Earlston A 9 Hawick A 9; Berwickshire 11 Hawick B 4; Peebles 45 Earlston B 2.

Under-15s League: Hawick B 12; Peebles B 54 Earlston B 0; Berwickshire A 28 Hawick A 8.

Both Aitken Turnbull Netball League tables can be found on page 80.

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KELSO Ladies’ hockey squad travelled to Edinburgh on Saturday to face Liberton Ladies 1st VI in an East Premier League clash.

The visiting team were confident and full of team spirit, following a great performance during their last game, and maintained a high tempo of play throughout the 70 minutes.

Despite creating a great deal of opportunities and early chances, however, Kelso were unable to convert the high-quality pressure in the first half. They felt it was just a matter of time, though, before the first goal was notched up.

Playing with confidence in the second half, Kelso continued to dominate the game. And, with continued force and intensity, were able to score three exceptional goals.

The first came through the skill of Yvonne Jack, who was able to pounce on a rebound and drive the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

This was swiftly followed by an excellent passage of play by the whole team, which was finished by a slick goal from striker Suzi Henry. The third goal of the game came, once again, from Jack, who managed to beat the Liberton goalie to seal the win.

This Saturday, Kelso Ladies face Boroughmuir Ladies in a home encounter at Earlston High School.

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JED welcomed Border Amateur League Division A outfit Newtown to Woodend for this Waddell Cup first round tie last Saturday.

Despite the scoreline, a young Jed squad acquitted themselves well against an experienced Newtown team.

The visitors were quickly into their stride and went ahead midway through the half, Liam Burke lobbing young Jed goalkeeper Robbie Elder.

They were soon further ahead when Gary Hastie pounced on some sloppy defending to poke home from 10 yards.

Jed reduced the deficit just after the break, Daniel Chandler capitalising on poor goal keeping to stab home from a corner. The same player then tried his luck from 25 yards and his effort came back off the visiting keeper but unfortunately for Jed the rebound evaded Luke Spiteri and the ball was cleared to safety.

Spiteri then came close to an equaliser with a header but his effort went just wide of the upright.

The visitors stepped up a gear and scored three goals in the space of 15 minutes midway through the half to secure their place in the next round. Captain Scott Leitch got two with one for Trevor Shiells.

Barrie Melrose scored a second for Jed right at the death.

Match Sponsor – The Canon

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GREENLAW danced their way into the second round of the Waddell Cup with an eightsome reel, writes John Slorance.

With United’s ground unplayable due to frost the game was switched to Greenlaw but it was the visitors who made the early running with Ross Wallace and Sean Owens both rifling efforts over the bar during the opening minutes.

Back came Greenlaw and Owens came to United’s rescue in blocking a net bound William Smillie shot off the goal line, following a Dean Carruthers corner kick.

Greenlaw keeper, David Cattlin then denied United an opener in saving well from Robbie Kelly.

After Hawick number one John Paul Drysdale had foiled Greenlaw in keeping out an Adam Smith shot, the home men took the lead in the 29th minute.

Carruthers rattled in a shot that entered the net after cannoning off United defender David Strathdee.

In the 43rd minute, Greenlaw went further ahead. Breaking down the right from what appeared to be an offside position, William Smillie cut inside and squared a pass to Smith, who shot home. With three minutes of the second half gone, United reduced the leeway. Ross Scott producing the scoring touch with a shot that sailed over the head of Cattlin.

United’s joy was shortlived, for minutes later Greenlaw struck again with what was the goal of the game, when William Smillie found the net with a glorious drive.

The action continued to flow and in the 67th minute, Owens put Hawick back in the picture in driving home a pass from a Scott free kick.

Eight minutes later though Smith sent United reeling in tucking away a Carruthers pass.

Greenlaw kept their foot on the gas and Carruthers made it a nap hand after having broken through the United defence on his own.

The floodgates had now opened and Carruthers soon put Hawick into further arrears.

Immediately after this strike Hawick were reduced to 10 men when Strathdee was given his marching orders when picking up a second yellow card for making remarks towards Berwick referee Andrew Rooney.

In the closing stages Smith completed his hat trick with Smillie in turn notching an eighth.